We keep a tube of calcium gluconate gel in the lab first aid kit; it's the recommended immediate treatment (following water wash). Never been used & (according to expiration date) needs to be replaced annually.

Sigma Aldrich MSDS:

FIRST AID MEASURES

General advice

Consult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Hydrofluoric (HF) acid burns require

immediate and specialized first aid and medical treatment. Symptoms may be delayed up to 24 hours depending on the

concentration of HF.After decontamination with water, further damage can occur due to penetration/absorption of the

fluoride ion. Treatment should be directed toward binding the fluoride ion as well as the effects of exposure. Skin

exposures can be treated with a 2.5% calcium gluconate gel repeated until burning ceases. More serious skin exposures

may require subcutaneous calcium gluconate except for digital areas unless the physician is experienced in this

technique, due to the potential for tissue injury from increased pressure. Absorption can readily occur through the

subungual areas and should be considered when undergoing decontamination. Prevention of absorption of the fluoride

ion in cases of ingestion can be obtained by giving milk, chewable calcium carbonate tablets or Milk of Magnesia to

conscious victims. Conditions such as hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia and cardiac arrhythmias should be monitored for,

since they can occur after exposure. Move out of dangerous area.

SMK

_________________________________

Sheila Kennedy, C.H.O.

Safety Coordinator | Teaching Laboratories

UCSD Chemistry & Biochemistry |MC 0303

s1kennedy**At_Symbol_Here**ucsd.edu | http://www-chem.ucsd.edu

Office: (858) 534-0221 | Fax: (858) 534-7687
_________________________________

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU]On Behalf Of Kim Gates
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 5:55 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Question on trifluoracetic acid & emergencies